Bismuth-Free MMUs
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Tue Feb 19, 2008 8:32 pm

Ferro Cosmetics Ultimate Foundation

Unfortunately for me, I am allergic to Bismuth Oxychloride which, as it turns out, is a colossal pain in the derriere. Confused

So for the last year I have been on the hunt for a decent bismuth-free MMU and stumbled upon Ferro's Ultimate Foundation...

I have to say that I really like this MMU. It is bismuth-free and includes both silk and pearl powders. There is no irritation, no flaking, no dryness, no unnatural settling, no reactions or breakouts, just a LOVELY, natural finish that provides enough coverage without being too opaque or too matte/flat/shiny/sparkly and with decent staying powder. As far as colours go, I ordered a bunch of samples and can easily wear at least three, maybe four of them which never happens for me. Of the two finishes offered, the Ultimate was the one I preferred.

Ingredients: Rice Powder, Pure Silk Powder, Crushed Pearl Powder, Titanium Dioxide, Serecite, Zinc Oxide, Mica, Kaolin Clay, Silica, Iron Oxides, Ronasphere, Magenesium Stearate, Calcium Carbonate, Boron Nitride

Pros: good range of colours (for me anyways!), lovely natural finish, completely non-irritating for people like myself who are allergic to bismuth, responsive and helpful CS, free shipping within the US for orders over $49 and $5 flat rate to Canada if your order can fit into one of those flat padded envelopes.

Cons: the samples have gone up and are pricey IMO ($7) as are the foundations (around $24.50) although they do seem to have regular little promotions

It is a total

/5 for me.

http://ferrocosmetics.com/cart.php?m=product_list&c=7

free skin care · Wed Feb 20, 2008 9:30 am

thanks for the review havana! With the kaolin clay, it should be good for oily girls!

free skin care · Fri Feb 22, 2008 3:14 am

Hi Havana8 - can you tell me how your skin reacts to Bismuth? I have read about Bismuth being potentially irritating on other threads, and would be interested to know what people mean by it. I have sensitive skin as it is - in that many products give me dry, flaky or itchy skin. Is this the same reaction?

Fri Feb 22, 2008 8:03 pm

I react with itchiness, burning, red spots and excema.

Fri Feb 22, 2008 10:16 pm

This is another one that I really ended up liking....

Crush Mineral Makeup

Crush is another one that I ended up really liking! This MMU offering is a bit unique when compared with what's out there. Not only is it free of bismuth but it is also free of titanium dioxide and mica. Another unique aspect is that all their colours are offered by undertone: red, yellow, olive. If you need them, they offer two colour services: a "match your current shade to our ready-to-wear shades" service at no extra charge, or, if none of their 36 shades for all ethnicities (from the very pale to the very dark) work for you, like Ferro, they also offer a "custom mixing" service for an additional fee.

For me, Crush has worked out to be a totally friendly, non-irritating MMU that performs with decent staying power--there is no disappearing a few hours later or a need to constantly re-touch. The colour match was quite good for me and combined with the light, silky finish, it looks totally natural on without any dryness, caking or settling around the nose etc. and without an overt powdery look, etc.

If your complexion tends more to the oily side (mine is more to the dry side), Crush also offers a Henna & Spice Oil-Absorbing Translucent Powder that looks quite interesting. Oh! And I just noticed that they also offer a "liquid tinted mineral base".

Ingredients: arrowroot powder, comfrey root powder, oat powder, iron oxides, zinc oxide

Packaging: comes in little spice jars

Pros: realistic colour offerings, non-irritating, looks quite natural, responsive and helpful CS; also, if you order refill baggies instead of the jars, they will generously give you 15% off

Cons: it is kind of pricey, IMO at $35 a jar although you could buy it as a refill for 15% less and transfer it to another container; it's only available online

It is a total

/5 for me.

http://www.crushgroovecosmetics.com

free skin care · Sat Feb 23, 2008 4:43 am

Thanks very much, Havana8.

free skin care · Sat Feb 23, 2008 3:40 pm

Havana - Which finish is the lightest - least heavy as far as color on the face?

How would you compare the ultimate with the radience

Thanks!

free skin care · Sat Feb 23, 2008 4:03 pm

I've tried to order from the Ferro site and each time I hit "Add To Cart" it goes to a page saying The webpage cannot be found... Sad

Sat Feb 23, 2008 11:20 pm

sister sweets wrote:

Havana - Which finish is the lightest - least heavy as far as color on the face?

How would you compare the ultimate with the radience

Thanks!

Hi Sister, I think the Radiance Foundation is described as the lightest as far as colour and coverage go. However, when I put Ultimate on one side and Radiance on the other, there is barely, if any, difference between the two. Granted, application, the brush I am using (Mac 187) and how much or little I am actually applying may have a lot to do with that--I apply it sparingly, using as little as possible. I'll bet if I was using my Alima brush, though, the coverage would probably be a bit heavier. HTHs!

free skin care · Tue Feb 26, 2008 12:20 pm

Havana8, i looked at the Grush groove site and can't seem to find their color selection page...can you provide a link?

Tue Feb 26, 2008 1:52 pm

rosyface wrote:

Havana8, i looked at the Grush groove site and can't seem to find their color selection page...can you provide a link?

No problem, rosyface. It is a graphic at the bottom of this page:

http://www.crushgroovecosmetics.com/catalog/item/4125155/4003047.htm

Sat Apr 26, 2008 9:47 am

Pure Zing has a few really positive reviews for Ferro Cosmetics...

http://www.purezing.com/body/body_makeup_face_FE_ultimatefoundation.html

p.s. by the way, their shopping cart feature got fixed

free skin care · Sat Apr 26, 2008 3:52 pm

Some of the jane Iredale pressed do not contain Bismuth they are going shade by shade until it is removed. I have some that is bismuth free

free skin care · Sat Apr 26, 2008 8:57 pm

Most of the small mineral makeup companies do NOT have bismuth. You can get feedback from MMU users onwww.mineralmakeupmania.com. There is also a page listing all the brands and the ingredients.

link to foundation page
http://people.delphiforums.com/tracikenyon/IngredList22405.html

Bare Esscentals (BE) still has bismuth in her formula (gives it glow).

Most of these small companies have sample sizes for reasonable costs.

free skin care · Sun Apr 27, 2008 10:13 am

havana8 wrote:

This is another one that I really ended up liking....

Crush Mineral Makeup

Crush is another one that I ended up really liking! This MMU offering is a bit unique when compared with what's out there. Not only is it free of bismuth but it is also titanium dioxide and mica free!

I may have to check this out...I am definitely allergic to Bismuth, but still have itching around my nose even when I use a Bismuth-free MMU. Maybe the Mica is my problem?

Fri Sep 04, 2009 11:29 am

I love Rockit Minerals Glow On foundation. Very good coverage and "glow" but no bismuth. It contains some really cool ingrediants that are good for skin too like Allantoin. There prices are great too.
rockitmineralsmakeup .com

free skin care · Sat Oct 31, 2009 2:14 am

very interested in crush groove mmu.. anyone order and try? care to review? i searched google and came out with very few..

free skin care · Sat Oct 31, 2009 4:43 pm

I mentioned this brand on another thread, they have always been free of Bismuth Oxychloride.
They sell samples, the site has a chart of comparison to BE. Different formulas for skin's needs.
Aromaleigh

http://www.aromaleigh.com

Aromaleigh is a cutting-edge, indie mineral cosmetics company at the forefront of the mineral makeup revolution. Since 1998, Aromaleigh has been micro-formulating quality mineral makeup to the highest standards to give you an endless spectrum of colors and skin-healthy mineral cosmetics at affordable prices. Aromaleigh truly has something for everyone...

I have been using this for several years and adore it!

DM

free skin care · Fri Jan 01, 2010 6:49 am

Armaleigh sounds great! I have been using Hollywood mineral makeup and it's fantastic! Dol you know if Armaleigh uses nanoparticles? I am trying to avoid them. Can I buy small sample pots to try the colour?

free skin care · Fri Jan 01, 2010 6:57 am

arielstar08 wrote:

Armaleigh sounds great! I have been using Hollywood mineral makeup and it's fantastic! Dol you know if Armaleigh uses nanoparticles? I am trying to avoid them. Can I buy small sample pots to try the colour?

I just found this yesterday and posted on the nanoparticles thread:

Very interesting information about mineral cosmetic ingredients and nanoparticles, I think it might just ease your minds!

http://blog.aromaleigh.com/blog/ingredient-information/

HTH
DM

free skin care · Mon Jan 04, 2010 7:09 am

havana8 wrote:

This is another one that I really ended up liking....

Crush Mineral Makeup

Crush is another one that I ended up really liking! This MMU offering is a bit unique when compared with what's out there. Not only is it free of bismuth but it is also free of titanium dioxide and mica. Another unique aspect is that all their colours are offered by undertone: red, yellow, olive. If you need them, they offer two colour services: a "match your current shade to our ready-to-wear shades" service at no extra charge, or, if none of their 36 shades for all ethnicities (from the very pale to the very dark) work for you, like Ferro, they also offer a "custom mixing" service for an additional fee.

For me, Crush has worked out to be a totally friendly, non-irritating MMU that performs with decent staying power--there is no disappearing a few hours later or a need to constantly re-touch. The colour match was quite good for me and combined with the light, silky finish, it looks totally natural on without any dryness, caking or settling around the nose etc. and without an overt powdery look, etc.

If your complexion tends more to the oily side (mine is more to the dry side), Crush also offers a Henna & Spice Oil-Absorbing Translucent Powder that looks quite interesting. Oh! And I just noticed that they also offer a "liquid tinted mineral base".

Ingredients: arrowroot powder, comfrey root powder, oat powder, iron oxides, zinc oxide

Packaging: comes in little spice jars

Pros: realistic colour offerings, non-irritating, looks quite natural, responsive and helpful CS; also, if you order refill baggies instead of the jars, they will generously give you 15% off

Cons: it is kind of pricey, IMO at $35 a jar although you could buy it as a refill for 15% less and transfer it to another container; it's only available online

It is a total

/5 for me.

http://www.crushgroovecosmetics.com

Havana, now that cool temps are back it's time to return to mineral makeup (can't wear it in the summer because it's too hot) -- I was considering ordering Dr. Hauschka translucent powder but the prices and the talc put me off. What struck me most about your review of Crushed Groove is the lack of mica, talc,and bismuth... I really can't stand the fake glowy look and since I was just about out of my Everyday Minerals, decided my first makeup purchase in a new decade will be something entirely new...

I just placed an order with crushed groove. For those that are interested, it looks like they're having a special right now... Raw Earth powder is only $15.00 (down from $35) and they have a sampler package where you can try 8 of her products for $15.00(down from $25).

I'm looking forward to receiving this package in the mail and will give a review after I've had the chance to use it.

Thanks for letting us know about this company.

Athena

free skin care · Sat Jan 09, 2010 9:20 pm

Aromaleigh's site is back up and accessible again! Smile

I must say their MMU always has a beautiful Matte Finish! Of course it's free of Bismuth Oxychloride!
From The Site:
http://www.aromaleigh.com/

Aromaleigh mineral makeup products are special in that we offer a true matte foundation powder without Bismuth oxychloride- in 31 shades and variable coverage. We offer samples of all loose powder mineral cosmetics, including our vast eyeshadow collection- where the matte colors are truly matte with no sparkle and the frosts are not to be frightened of! Aromaleigh mineral cosmetics are all about looking your best with your makeup on and in turn feeling your best.

Aromaleigh products do not contain micronized ingredients or nano-particles.

All of our mineral cosmetic products are creatively formulated with great care and attention to the highest quality cosmetic-grade ingredients, purity in processing and quality control in all aspects and our processes.

HTH
DM

free skin care · Thu Jan 14, 2010 9:01 pm

I see EDS is carrying Pur Minerals my second favorite brand! It's bismuth oxychloride free and is great for taking with as they make pressed MMU only! Smile

DM

Fri Jan 15, 2010 8:20 am

DarkMoon wrote:

I see EDS is carrying Pur Minerals my second favorite brand! It's bismuth oxychloride free and is great for taking with as they make pressed MMU only! Smile

DM

Last I looked, the pressed 4-in-1 MMU does have bismuth in it, but then again, it's only an issue if you happen to be one that is sensitive to it or are trying to avoid it for other reasons.

Athena, I am really looking forward to your comments on the Crush MMU as I think the formula has changed since I first wrote that review. Smile

free skin care · Fri Jan 15, 2010 1:05 pm

havana8 wrote:

DarkMoon wrote:

I see EDS is carrying Pur Minerals my second favorite brand! It's bismuth oxychloride free and is great for taking with as they make pressed MMU only! Smile

DM

Last I looked, the pressed 4-in-1 MMU does have bismuth in it, but then again, it's only an issue if you happen to be one that is sensitive to it or are trying to avoid it for other reasons.

Thanks Havana!
It's been a while since I purchased any as I use the Aromaleigh more than anything, I just use the Pure Minerals for touch ups.
I happily stand corrected!

DM
Smile

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